A longstanding mining operation in the Northwest Territories is ceasing its activities to focus on environmental remediation. The Diavik diamond mine, located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, has been in operation for decades and has produced over 150 million carats of diamonds under its owner Rio Tinto. The mine permanently closed on Tuesday after employing hundreds of workers, with a peak workforce of over 1,000 individuals. Some employees, like Sean Sinclair, who hails from Ontario but has lived in the territory for more than ten years, have expressed a desire to remain in the area.
Sinclair, now a closure manager at the mine, met his wife in Yellowknife, who also works at Diavik. Both Sinclair and his wife have developed a strong attachment to Yellowknife and expressed no plans to leave the region. Other workers at the mine site, such as Mike Lowing, the principal adviser for health, safety, and environment, share a similar sentiment about the city’s future despite the closure of the diamond mine.
Following the closure of Diavik, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $35-billion investment plan for the North during a recent visit to Yellowknife. This plan includes federal support for projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Taltson hydro expansion, as well as backing for the Arctic economic and security corridor. Lowing, optimistic about future opportunities, stated his willingness to participate in these projects, highlighting the employment prospects they may offer.
Although the closure of Diavik marks the end of an era, industry experts like Alex Clinton, a senior adviser at the mine, believe that mining activities should continue in the territories. Clinton, who has been a resident of Yellowknife for many years, envisions a resurgence in gold mining due to the increasing demand for the precious metal. The region has a rich history of gold mining, with ongoing efforts to revitalize operations such as the Mon Mine northeast of Yellowknife.
As gold prices soar, Clinton sees potential for growth in the mining sector and hopes that his children, born in the Northwest Territories, will find opportunities within the industry. The market trends have reignited optimism for a prosperous future in mining within the region.
